A tasting at the Village Wine Merchant in Sea Cliff.
All we want for Christmas is you Veuve. Here’s where we like to buy it—and all our other favorite wines and spirits—on Long Island:
46455 Route 48, Southold, NY 11971
We go there because: The service is friendly and the selection is exceptional.
Showcase Wine & Liquor has been a Southold staple for 28 years, and for good reason! The service is warm and welcoming, and there’s dedicated section for Long Island wine in the back.
354 Montauk Highway, Wainscott, NY 11975
We go there for: #WineWednesday.
Wainscott Main Wine & Spirits is a boutique wine shop that cares as much about community as it does about wine. Every Wednesday, they host #WineWednesday workshops. For just $10, would-be wine students get to attend workshops on everything from “Tasting Fundamentals: Benchmarks & Terroir in the Glass” to “Shop it Like a SOMM: Wines for Your Celebration Table That Won’t Break the Bank.” Recent hosts include Andrew Bell, co-founder of the American Sommelier Association, and Kareem Massoud, winemaker at Paumanok Vineyards.
510 Jericho Turnpike, Syosset, NY 11791
We go there for: Their artisanal spirits.
Post Wine & Spirits has been in business for 50 years, and the store has a beautiful patina to show for it. “Wine was my thing before it became popular,” says Michael Douglas, the store’s owner. 50 years later, it’s clear that wine is still his thing now. The store stocks a wonderful selection of wines and artisanal spirits. Don’t miss their small batch bourbons!
760 Montauk Highway, Water Mill, NY 11976
We go there for: Their “stock the bar” service.
Southampton Wines is as serious about selection as it is about service. The store offers free delivery to all of the East End, and even a “call ahead service.” Forgot to pick up that bottle of pinot ahead of your 10th holiday party of the season? No worries; just call Southampton Wines, let them know what you want, and they’ll have it waiting for you when you arrive. Not too shabby.
Ain’t nothing “Hamptons” about the prices at Bottle Hampton.
850 County Road 39, Southampton, NY 11968
We go there for: Their awesome free tastings (12 wines per day)!
Bottle Hampton is a neatly arranged store that’s extremely easy to navigate. Their focus is on customer service, and keeping their prices as low as possible. Their selection is enviable, and their daily free tastings are pretty hard to argue with, too.
459 Pantigo Road East Hampton, NY 11937
We go there for: Their wines from the Burgundy area.
Domaine Franey Wine & Spirits is a store for wine enthusiasts, by wine enthusiasts. Their prices are as good as their selection is extensive. Don’t miss their offerings from small growers!
46 E Montauk Highway, Hampton Bays, NY 11946
We go there for: Their great prices.
Hampton Bays Wine & Spirits is a one-stop shop for all your boozy needs. Their prices are unbeatable. A 750 milliliter of Grey Goose will set you back just $30.99 this holiday season. A bottle of Veuve? $42.99.
262 W Montauk Highway, Hampton Bays, NY 11946
We go there because: Chuck’s tours.
Cork N’ Jug Wines & Liquors is a wonderful store made even more wonderful by its friendly and knowledgeable staff. In-store, you’ll find recipes for their Cocktail of the Month, and suggestions for seasonal pairings. They also have a credit program; earn points for discounts with every purchase.
2102 Montauk Highway, Bridgehampton, NY 11932
We go there for: Their enormous selection.
McNamara Liquors has been in Bridgehampton since 2007. Its sole owner, Chris Boudouris, is so renowned for his passion for wine and ability to stand out in business that he was named a Market Watch Leader. We’re mostly just impressed by the store’s selection, and the pleasant shopping experience we have whenever we visit. The store is in the Bridgehampton Commons shopping center.
Don’t miss the selection at McNamara Liquors.
100 Pantigo Place, East Hampton, NY 11937
We go there for: Their mix of established brands and up-and-comers.
Churchill Wines & Spirits is owned and operated by David J. Churchill, a man with more than 20 years of experience in the wine business. His store’s selection — a mix of local and international wines — certainly reflects that. Stop by for the selection, and stay for the prices (which are highly competitive).
802 E Main Street, Riverhead, NY 11901
We go there because: We can always get a great recommendation.
In 2016, Michael’s Wine & Liquors will celebrate its 50th year in business. Theirs is a cavernous store at 5,000 square feet, but it’s so well-curated that it’s never overwhelming. Every Friday and Saturday, they offer the store holds free tastings (often with an eye towards wines and spirits made locally). They have the largest selection of Long Island wines in a retail shop on the East End. Look closely, there are a lot of back vintages ready for the picking.
252 Sea Cliff Avenue, Sea Cliff, NY 11579
We go there because: The only thing more beautiful than the store itself is the selection of bottles on its shelves.
The Village Wine Merchant values authenticity over brands. Browse their shop and you’ll understand what a difference it makes. The shop stocks wine from small, family-run (and mostly organic, biodynamic, and/or sustainable) farms. They also host wonderful biweekly events. The best part? They’re free.
89 Division Street, Sag Harbor, NY 11963
We go there for: Their curated selection of red, white, and fortified wines.
Cavaniola’s Wine Cellar is one part of the culinary-heaven trifecta that is Cavaniola’s. Beside it, is Cavaniola’s Gourmet Cheese Shop & Kitchen. Stop by on a Saturday for their wine and cheese pairings.
